January 20, 2006	Friday	Zilhaj 19, 1426

KARACHI, Jan 19: Speakers at a seminar on safe laboratory practices called for proper legislation binding academic, research and healthcare institutions in the country to have a written safe practice policy and manual of procedures in order to ensure environmental protection and individuals’ health.

The seminar was organized by the Department of Genetics, University of Karachi on Thursday in connection with the forthcoming moot on scientific integrity and research ethics.

The speakers were of the view that the respective institutions must keep track of hazardous chemicals and biological materials, and users be held accountable for lack of records of the substances being used.

They deplored that most of the institutions in the country did not have any lab safety policy and recommended that awareness of safe practices in laboratories and clinical setup should be taught from secondary level and continue till postgraduate level.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Muneeza Shah, a visiting psychiatrist from Indiana, USA, said that the research and academic institutions in Pakistan had great potential, however, safe lab practices were an essential requisite for sustainable productivity.

Dr Shah was of the view that use of microbial pathogens in laboratories and hospitals posed a serious threat to human lives.

She said that ignorance of the hazards of a number of chemicals commonly used in various laboratories resulted in mishandling, and inappropriate disposal, which posed a threat to human health.

Underlining the importance of making common people aware of biohazards in their surroundings, especially with reference to improper handling of microbial cultures, Prof Nusrat Jamil, and Dr Atiya Abbasi said that accidents occurring in laboratories should not be overlooked.

They indicated that improper handling of samples brought into laboratories for processing might also lead to a biohazard as well.

Dr Ahsana Dar stressed the need for ready availability of fire extinguishers and first aid kits in the laboratories.

Dr Shakeel Farooqi, organizer of the seminar, said it was high time to create awareness among all the stakeholders regarding safe lab practices.

Prof Farzana Naqvi, Prof Zahida Maqsood, Dr Abid Hasnain, Prof Aqeel Ahmed, Talat Hiader, and Neo Ann Aik also spoke.—Online